Facticity

Life in Balance

Jesus Teachings and Conservative Christianity

This page represents the beginning of an analysis of the often wide difference between Jesus’ teachings and the behavior of Conservative Christians.

What Jesus Taught Versus What Conservative Christians Do

What Jesus TaughtWhat Conservative Christians DoComments
Pacifism and ViolenceLove your enemiesWar-mongeringIt's difficult to put the behavior of conservative Christians into a few words, but their behavior over the last many years cannot fit in even the most bloated expansion of Just War Theory. The early Christians were perfectly clear on what Jesus taught about violence and Conservative Christians behave in direct opposition to this teaching.
HonestyJesus told the truth always, regardless of the consequences.Conservative Christians twist and mangle truth to support their desires.
ForgivenessForgive your brother when he sins against you "not seven times, but seventy-seven."Vengeance and torment are the ruleConservative Christians are generally vengeful, seeking to harm those who disagree with them or have wronged them.
CompassionParable of The Good Samaritan, Healing of the Sick, Living with sinners Many or most Conservative Christians seem to love those like them in appearance, background, and belief, and despise others.The Samaritan was a despised person of mixed-race. Does that sound like anyone now in the public eye who is hated by most conservative Christians?
Personal Wealth "You cannot serve God and mammon." Mammon is money or material wealth. He also required his disciples to sell their belongings and give all to those in need.The GOP and Libertarian base is conservative Christian and they live almost entirely counter to these teachings.
Who should we help?Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.Most Conservative Christians have a tribal worldview, where only those like them are considered to have value, to matter.
This table represents the start of an analysis of what Jesus taught on various topics and whether the majority of conservative Christians support or oppose his teaching.